Water. Grow. Eat. is the first in a series of hands-on eco-savvy special events hosted by Del Mar-based builder Brookfield Homes.

Online PR News – 08-February-2011 – – Eco-savvy experts will take guests into the garden for a series of interactive workshops Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Rockrose Education Gardens at 3538 Glen Ave. in Carlsbad.

Water. Grow. Eat. is the first in a series of hands-on eco-savvy special events hosted by Del Mar-based builder Brookfield Homes. The Feb. 26 workshop is free to the first 30 people in each program who register at http://www.brookfieldsd.com.

Three Water. Eat. Grow. sessions will run concurrently from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., each staged in the kitchens and backyards of the Rockrose model homes. Guests may register for one, two or all three sessions.

“There are so many ways to be more eco-savvy in how we live our lives,” said Lora Heramb, vice president of sales and marketing for Brookfield Homes. “Water. Eat. Grow. will focus on amazing things anyone can do with simple herbs, plants and grasses from a typical backyard garden. And because we’re in a Stage 2 Drought Alert here in Carlsbad, we’ll also share easy changes in backyard irrigation that can maximize this precious resource.”

Water. Grow. Eat. will present the following three interactive sessions:

• Water: Drought-tolerant landscape expert Bill Hoffman of Benchmark Landscaping will tour guests through three different garden scenarios, demonstrating proper irrigation for flat areas, slopes, and containers. He will also focus on composting and present the benefits of soil-enhancing mulch, a simple technique to minimize water evaporation. Back in the kitchen, guests will enjoy an herb tea bar, featuring fresh rosemary and mint.

• Grow: Landscape ecology specialist Ari Tenenbaum of Revolution Landscape will demonstrate alternative uses for everyday herbs, plants and native grasses. Guests will bundle white sage into smudge sticks and learn to build a living succulent wreath. Tenenbaum will also demonstrate how to make natural skin care products, salves and ointments from rosemary, lavender and mint.

“The drought tolerant education gardens at Rockrose are a perfect setting for Brookfield’s first eco-savvy workshop,” said Heramb, who noted that a variety of educational workshops will follow throughout the year. Visit Brookfield’s Facebook page to request eco-savvy topics for upcoming events at www.Facebook.com/BrookfieldSD.

About Brookfield

Brookfield opened Rockrose in March 2010 with the goal of setting new standards for sustainable building practices within the company. With every home exceeding state energy standards by at least 35 percent, Rockrose offers the most energy-efficient new homes in San Diego County. Last year, Rockrose was recognized by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for “Set[ting] a new standard in creating sustainable communities.”

In addition to energy savings, homes at Rockrose are built to showcase new strategies and products promoting water conservation, waste reduction, improved air quality, sustainable building materials and renewal energy.

Brookfield San Diego Builders, Inc. builds new homes in San Diego and Riverside counties. Brookfield currently is building in the master-planned communities of The Foothills in Carlsbad, Windingwalk in Chula Vista, Stonebridge Estates east of Scripps Ranch in San Diego, and Old Creek Ranch new homes in San Marcos. The company also has significant land holdings in Riverside County. For more information about Brookfield communities and to learn about the company’s signature construction differences, visit www.brookfieldsd.com.